I recently bought a Kimber Ultra CDP II to replace my Combat Commander as my regular defense / carry sidearm. I've stuck pretty much to hardball over the years for the Commander but wonder if anyone has experience with barrels as short as the Kimber (3 inches). Specifically- does anyone have advice on which loads may be most consistent and accurate in such a short barrel?
Thanks in advance for any information you've got to share--m

I recently bought a Kimber Ultra CDP II to replace my Combat Commander as my regular defense / carry sidearm. I've stuck pretty much to hardball over the years for the Commander but wonder if anyone has experience with barrels as short as the Kimber (3 inches). Specifically- does anyone have advice on which loads may be most consistent and accurate in such a short barrel?

Thanks in advance for any information you've got to share--m

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Speer's Gold Dot brand has taken a good lead in product development for short barrel defensive firearms. Their short barrel loads are optimized for you Kimber in particular.

Thanks to both of you. I've checked out the websites of the above and found some useful information. I'm even considering reloading again. There was a time I only carried my own handloads which I had loaded very carefully.
For many years now I've only used factory loads. The information you've given me has me intrigued. I want to try some of those copper hollow points despite their high price!
-Dean

Thanks to both of you. I've checked out the websites of the above and found some useful information. I'm even considering reloading again. There was a time I only carried my own handloads which I had loaded very carefully.

For many years now I've only used factory loads. The information you've given me has me intrigued. I want to try some of those copper hollow points despite their high price!

-Dean

Dean,

I really think you should stay with factory loads for self defense carry. Today's factory premium ammunition is mfg. to very high standards and it would be nigh on impossible to reach their level of performance and reliability. The short barrel specific ammo you originally inquired about is loaded with proprietary powders that burn fast without unusually high pressures or temperatures, and have a lower flash/fireball. These powerders are not available to us on the open market.

Spend the money to get the good stuff.

I know many folks like to reload and I have spent my hours in front of a reloading press too. Reloading is great for practice and hunting ammo but it shouldn't be carried on duty or as a defense load. For what it is worth IMHO.

Handloads just add one more thing your lawyer has to defend against if you do have to use your sidearm in self defense. In the event you have to use deadly force, it isn't an "if" you will be sued ... it's for how much. I say keep it simple and stick to good reputable premium loads from quality manufacturers.

On specific suggestions;

Gold dots are tough to beat. They tend to have a lower threshold for expansion than most other JHPs, which would make me think that out of a shorter tube there would be less lost performance.

Cor-bon rounds are exceptional all the way around, and their 185 gr JHP+P would definitely be worth your while in testing out.

Federal 230 gr Hydrashocks are my personal favorite .45 ACP load. That's really all I carry in a .45. Truthfully though, I don't use any.45s with anything shorter than a 4 1/4".

Good advice in regards to liability. I sometimes forget just how litigious our society has become. I used to pin the grip safeties on my 1911s but quit some years back because that could be seen as subverting the safety of my handgun and therefore be construed as increasing my liability in case of a lawsuit. (run-on sentence warning!)
I'll try the recommended loads and see what I think of them. I bought this pistol because I wanted a lightweight frame and did consider the Smith Commander-sized pistol but liked the Kimber better. My main desire was to have a large-bore pistol that would be light and small enough to carry that I'd not switch to something underpowered. My choice of the 1911 style was just because I've used them for many years, trust their design, and understand them.
Again, thanks for your input--Dean